Joey Haynos waived injured; Channing Crowder sees specialist

Tight end Joey Haynos has been waived injured by the Dolphins, increasing the likelihood there will only be two tight ends on board when the Dolphins finalize their 53-man roster this weekend.

Coach Tony Sparano announced at Tuesday’s press briefing that Haynos, who was carted off the field in Friday night’s game against Atlanta, had been let go with a foot injury. While second-year man John Nalbone remains in the mix, Sparano talked about how the move gives him “roster flexibility,” a sign that Nalbone is headed for the practice squad for the second straight year.

Asked how many tight ends he might carry, Sparano replied, “Some of the teams we’ve been on have had two. I’ve coached tight ends and had two people in that room. It’s a little bit lonely, but that’s part of it. If you have two you have to have somebody on the practice squad to eat up reps.”

Haynos was signed off the Green Bay practice squad two years ago. He played in seven games as a rookie, with one of his two receptions going for a touchdown. Moved into a more prominent role last year after David Martin was sidelined by injury, he played in all 16 games and started eight, catching 19 passes for 162 yards and two TDs. Martin’s return this year had pushed him down to third-string status. He had one catch for 5 yards in the preseason, which is when he got hurt in the Atlanta game.

Sparano also said Channing Crowder, who was absent from practice both Sunday and Monday, had been sent to a specialist for a further evaluation of his injury. Asked to be more specific on the injury, or whether it had to do with the broken foot he suffered late last season, Sparano declined comment.

“I’m not that concerned right at this second,” he added.

Other comments from Sparano:

— He said he has “no idea” how long certain players will play against Dallas, noting his No. 1 priority is getting his team ready to play against Buffalo. He said everyone “better be ready to play.” Typically, starters play one series or less in the final preseason game.

— Said rookie DE Jared Odrick “is getting better and better” each week and “is becoming much more comfortable with what we’re doing.”

— Said he talked with his team about its poor kickoff coverage so far. While Friday night saw improvement there, the average drive start for opponents has been the 33-yard-line on 13 opportunities. For the Dolphins, their average drive start is about the 25 on 10 returns. “Doesn’t sound like much, but it’s an area we have to get better at. I think those things will improve with more continuity in those groups.”

— Isn’t all that excited about playing in the Cowboys’ new stadium because he was never a part of it during his time in Dallas (the stadium opened last year). “It’s gonna be loud, though. We could play on Tuesday morning and it would be loud.”